BEND, Ore. -- The Silver Rail Elementary School learning specialist who took on a 16-year-old gunman to stop the attack two weeks ago issued her first public statement Friday, saying in part, "I wish with everything in me that we had more time" to prevent bloodshed.

Three children and a teacher were killed and another child and teaching assistant were seriously wounded in the Oct. 15 attack, which ended when a Silver Rail parent who followed the gunman to a special needs classroom shot and killed him.

That parent, Kaylub Giamanco, told OPB a week ago that he thinks about his gratitude for the teacher who wrestled with the shooter, who he says gave him the chance to make his shot without losing his own life. He still doesn’t know her name.

“I would love to give her a hug, because that’s a real true hero,” he said

Here's the full statement issued Friday by Bend-La Pine Schools:

Statement from Silver Rail Learning Specialist Cassidy Schutz

Bend-La Pine Schools is releasing the following statement from Cassidy Schutz, Certified Learning Specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School. Cassidy is the staff member who engaged directly with the assailant, as described in the October 16 briefing by Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz.

“There are no words to describe the depth of sadness I am feeling following the events of October 15th. This is not a story. This is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy, and it is our real lives. My thoughts are with those who were lost, their families, those who were hurt, and those who were there that day. My heart is with you. It all happened so fast, and I wish with everything in me that we had more time. The pain of this loss I will carry with me forever. There are no words for this unimaginable reality we are facing. My focus is on these families, our team, our school, and my own healing. As I continue to navigate this, I ask that you please give me the time, space, and privacy I need to heal. I will not be making any additional public statements at this time.” - Cassidy Schutz